La Terrazza di Vivaldi

Hotel Description

You know, stumbling upon La Terrazza di Vivaldi felt like one of those lucky finds in Venice that makes you feel like you’ve cracked the code to the real city – not the overcrowded San Marco chaos, but something quieter and more lived-in. I arrived after a vaporetto ride from the train station, hopping off at Arsenale and wandering down those narrow calli in Castello, past the old shipyards where you can still smell the salty lagoon air mixed with fresh bread from the corner bakery on Via Garibaldi. The address – Sestiere Castello 3810, tucked into an interno unico – isn’t flashy; it’s this unassuming doorway that opens up to a small courtyard, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. No big lobby fuss, just a warm check-in from the owner (I think her name was Maria? She chatted about the neighborhood’s history like we were old friends), and before you know it, you’re up the stairs to your room. I visited in early fall, when the tourists thin out a bit, and it was blissfully quiet – no street noise seeping in, though you might hear the occasional church bell from San Pietro di Castello nearby, which is sort of poetic if you’re into that.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I mean, it’s right there in the name – is that rooftop terrace. Oh man, stepping out there at sunset with a glass of prosecco (they’ll sort you out with a bottle from the minibar, no hassle) and gazing over the red-tiled roofs toward the lagoon… it’s the kind of view that makes you forget about sore feet from all the walking. The rooms themselves are cozy in that classic Venetian way – think exposed beams, soft linens that actually feel luxurious without being over-the-top, and bathrooms with those rain showers that hit just right after a day dodging crowds. Mine had a little balcony overlooking a side canal, where I’d sip coffee in the morning listening to gondoliers practicing their calls – well, maybe not practicing, but you get the idea. It’s a solid 4-star spot, super clean, with air conditioning that works without that annoying hum, and the Wi-Fi’s reliable enough for streaming (important if you’re like me and need to catch up on emails). Breakfast is simple but spot-on: fresh pastries, yogurt, and cappuccinos made to order, served on the terrace when the weather’s good. One minor gripe? The stairs – no elevator, so pack light if you’re not up for lugging bags, especially in summer heat. But hey, that’s Venice for you; it keeps things authentic.

All in all, if you’re after a place that feels like a hidden gem in Castello – close enough to the Biennale gardens for a peaceful stroll or a quick walk to St. Mark’s (about 15 minutes, dodging fewer selfie sticks than you’d think) – La Terrazza di Vivaldi is it. With that 9.7 rating, it’s no surprise; the staff bends over backward, like when they tipped me off to a tiny osteria down the calle for the best cicchetti. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced Venice, not just ticked it off a list – and isn’t that what travel’s about? If you’re heading there in shoulder season, book ahead; it fills up fast with repeat visitors who know the score.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $923. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Aihab from United States – 15 July 2023 (10/10)

  Excellent location. Spacious, modern and clean property. The host, Massimo, was very helpful with great recommendations.

• Agnieszka from Poland – 3 November 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful place, fantastic hosts, all lets you feel in Venice more at home than as a tourist.

• Sofia from Italy – 8 May 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful house located in a nice square very close to San Marco and Riva degli Schiavoni. The house was clean and equipped with all kind of facilities. Massimo, the owner, and Sabrina, who welcomed us, were really nice and helpful. They gave us a lot of valuable tips on itineraries and activities to do in Venice.
  
  What could be improved: nothing!

• Samira from Austria – 15 May 2023 (8/10)

  Super schöne Wohnung, sehr schick eingerichtet.
  Das Personal war äußerst freundlich und bemüht!
  Die Lage ist ausgezeichnet!
  
  What could be improved: Die Wohnung war etwas ungenau geputzt.
  Mitten in der Nacht ging die Waschmaschine los und lief die ganze Nacht, wir konnten erst am nächsten Tag rausfinden wo sich die Waschmaschine befindet, hinter einer Holzwand im Schlafzimmer.
  Was wir noch als störend empfunden haben, war das im selben Schlafzimmer im EG es keine Abdunkelung gab,
  somit waren wir dann schon sehr früh munter nach einer ohnehin schon unruhigen Nacht wegen der Waschmaschine.

• Andrea from Italy – 28 May 2023 (10/10)

• Maiia from Russia – 4 September 2022 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities